Frequency tracking for a FMR transmitter

Abstract

A method and device for transmitting audio data and text data to an RDS capable radio receiver by a wireless device is disclosed. The device includes a receiver for scanning a frequency range to detect an available radio frequency based on predetermined criteria. The device also includes a transmitter for transmitting data on a detected frequency that comprises RDS message data. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for a transmission of data from a mobile device to a first radio data system (RDS) capable radio receiver, comprising:
 obtaining a list of available frequencies by a second RDS capable receiver of the mobile device using an alternative frequency function; 
 scanning the list of available frequencies to detect an available frequency channel that meets a predetermined criteria of availability by the second RDS capable receiver of the mobile device; 
 in response to detecting an available frequency channel that meets a predetermined criteria of availability by the second RDS receiver of the mobile device, setting a Travel Announcement indicator or a Traffic Program indicator in the detected frequency channel as a flag; and 
 transmitting data on the detected frequency channel that comprises the Travel Announcement indicator or the Traffic Program indicator from the mobile device to the first RDS capable radio receiver, wherein the first RDS capable receiver includes an RDS decoder. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein transmitting data on the detected frequency channel from the mobile device enables the first RDS capable radio receiver to switch to the detected frequency channel. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criteria of availability of a channel is a predetermined signal to noise ratio threshold and/or a volume level. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein scanning is repeated at regular time intervals or continuously. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising repeating scanning of the frequency range when a low power signal is detected on the detected frequency channel. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising increasing a volume of the first RDS capable radio receiver automatically. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 reformatting information received from the mobile device to be used by a Program Service Name function, Program Type Code function and/or Radio Text function of the first RDS capable radio receiver; and 
 transmitting reformatted information to the first RDS capable radio receiver and to a display device. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the obtaining the list of available frequencies includes using an RDS Program Identification Code for detecting if a frequency is being used for licensed broadcast transmission. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising setting a second flag by the second RDS capable receiver to indicate availability of an information service. 
     
     
       10. A device for radio transmission of data for being received by a first radio data system (RDS) capable radio receiver, comprising:
 a second RDS capable receiver configured to obtain a list of available frequencies, scan the list of available frequencies to detect an available frequency based on a predetermined criteria of availability, and to set a Travel Announcement indicator or a Traffic Program indicator in the detected available frequency as a flag in response to the detected frequency; 
 a transmitter configured to transmit data on the detected frequency that comprises the Travel Announcement (TA) indicator or the Traffic Program indicator; and 
 wherein the first RDS capable radio receiver includes an RDS decoder. 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the second RDS capable receiver and the transmitter are integrated into one transceiver unit that transmits to the first RDS capable radio receiver when a Travel Announcement flag or Traffic Program flag is turned on. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the second RDS capable receiver is scanning for the available frequency upon detecting a low power signal. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the second RDS capable receiver is configured to use an RDS Program Identification Code for detecting if a frequency is being used for licensed broadcast transmissions. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the second RDS capable receiver is scanning for the available frequency based on signals of a predetermined threshold level upon detecting a volume level or a signal to noise ratio threshold has been reached. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the transmitter transmits a message to a user via a display or special tone that the user should manually change the receiver and to what frequency channel. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the device further comprises a reformatting component for reformatting information from the device to be used by a Program Service Name function, Program Type Code function or Radio Text function of the first RDS capable radio receiver and for transmitting a reformatted information to a display device via the first RDS capable radio receiver. 
     
     
       17. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the transmitter transmits information that causes an interruption in any CD, cassette, other audio streaming data, or text from the first RDS capable radio receiver while concurrently allowing calls to be received. 
     
     
       18. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the first RDS capable receiver is scanning at regular intervals or continuously when a low power signal is detected. 
     
     
       19. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the transmitter transmits information causing a volume of the first RDS capable radio receiver to increase autonomously. 
     
     
       20. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the transmitter transmits data on the available frequency and causes the first RDS capable radio receiver to automatically switch to the detected frequency and therein transmit the data received from the device on a detected frequency channel switched to.